Volunteers

Who is eligible to volunteer?

You are eligible to become a Senior Companion with stipend pay if you are age 55 or older, meet an income guideline, and are able to serve 15–40 hours per week. Activities that you might be involved in are:

conversing and listening

assisting with reading

writing letters or making phone calls

helping with grocery shopping or errands

sharing hobbies, recreation, and social events

assisting with light housekeeping (making bed, doing dishes, dusting)

reminding the client to take their medications

accompanying them to the doctor

helping with paying bills and filling out forms

being present for exercises and walks

Benefits of being a Senior Companion

In addition to the hourly stipend, you would receive:

mileage reimbursement or provided transportation

nine paid holidays

personal leave

monthly paid training

accident insurance while on assignment

friendship with other Senior Companions and clients

satisfaction of serving others

The monetary benefits do not reduce any governmental assistance and are not taxable.

Senior Companions receive 40 hours of orientation and an opportunity to shadow a Senior Companion before beginning services. We have six in-service trainings a year that provide valuable senior information that you will find useful for yourself and your clients. Many of our Senior Companions have served for several years and talk about the benefits they receive by feeling needed and useful to the people they help. Volunteers are involved in a recognition event every year and receive the Points of Light, Presidential Awards for their years of service. Many of our Senior Companions and clients have been together for several years and both feel it is one of the best things that have happened in their lives.